New Respect

[Kittiee Katt]

Long, not-to-intersting post below..
I've just finished doing the weekly water change on the four foot tank, and I'm so proud of myself, here's why..

Some five years ago, just after we got our first fish, I lost heaps of weight due to a life of malnourishment catching up with me. I've not been able to obtain a weight over 45kgs since I was 17, and have been under 40 since 19.. Because of this, water changes are near impossible due to the constant pain and lack of energy. Were it not for my hubby, I would have had to re-home my fish years ago. He's been doing water changes and other tank duty's since, and I've not done a water change on anything bigger than a 50ltr tank (without assistance) for over 5 years - until this morning. Our tanks are due to be done today and my hubby's been flat out at work, so I thought I'd be nice and try doing one of the tanks for him while he's at work. My initial plan was to do a small (20-30%) change on the four foot tank, so he would only have to do another small (30-45%) water change when he gets home.. But plans change. Before I new it I'd emptied out roughly 60% of the tanks water. Oops. All I thought was 'I'll never get all that water back in there'. But I started filling and relaying buckets from bathroom, to lounge room, and filling it up anyway.. I DONE IT!!! Its full again! I'm absolutely pooped but it was soooo worth it. I've found a new respect for both the hobby, and my hubby. He's been doing that for five years on our ever growing collection of tanks, without one complaint.. Wow.

Something else I noticed is how awesome the behavior of the fish is while the tanks filling up, chasing the bubbles and playing in the newly created current, its amazing to watch and I can't believe that I've been missing out on such an amazing experience for so long.

I know this isn't exactly interesting but I'm so proud of myself for actually doing it. Its a minor accomplishment for most, but I big one to me.

Also, everyone give yourselves a big pat on the back, water changes are hard.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Good for you. I can give you directions from the the west coast to here if you want to enjoy some more water changes. I do not know how to get from the end of the world to the west coast however.

 

[Wailua Boy]

I hate to admit on the majority of my tanks, I hang a hose directly into tank and fill; maybe not the best way.

 

[Kittiee Katt]

Hello; Good for you. I can give you directions from the the west coast to here if you want to enjoy some more water changes. I do not know how to get from the end of the world to the west coast however.

I'll tell you now, it'd be rather expensive for me to do your water changes. Interstate plane tickets aren't cheap, let alone from Australia to the U.S..

I hate to admit on the majority of my tanks, I hang a hose directly into tank and fill; maybe not the best way.

If it was that easy, I'd have no problem changing tanks.. But I don't have a tap that spits out water at a perfect 25°c..

 

[Wailua Boy]

I would keep it 20% or less, you should be fine. A quality dechlorinator(like Prime) is also needed

 

[Kittiee Katt]

I would keep it 20% or less, you should be fine. A quality dechlorinator(like Prime) is also needed

I was using api stress coat until a big chain store (petbarn) cayou down here, I discovered prime on their shelves and have never looked back.

Do yu add the prime before turning the hose on or after?

Thank you.

 

[Wailua Boy]

Yes. Best to add prior at adding water, it should neutralize chlorine/chloramine within a couple minutes.

Another option, store water in unused garbage can and use water pump to transfer to tanks but I think majority of people on this forum probably use the method I first described.

 

[convict360]

I find my weight skyrockets on a diet of big macs, which I now seriously avoid lol

 

[Kittiee Katt]

Yes. Best to add prior at adding water, it should neutralize chlorine/chloramine within a couple minutes.

Another option, store water in unused garbage can and use water pump to transfer to tanks but I think majority of people on this forum probably use the method I first described.

Would it work to store the water in a large container (garbage can, etc) heat it while in the container, then pump it into the tank? Or would the heater affect the plastic from the container? I've never had an aquarium heater turned on in a plastic tub before.. Would the current cause the heat to disperse and not melt the plastic?

Thanks again.

 

[Kittiee Katt]

I find my weight skyrockets on a diet of big macs, which I now seriously avoid lol

Its a malnourishment thing. Fatty food and lollies just make it worse. I'm the only person I know that can eat two large pizzas and garlic bread without gaining so much as a gram.. If anything it causes me to lose weight. :/